Protecting Petaluma’s Trees: A New Tree Ordinance is on the Way
Why Trees Matter in Petaluma
Trees are more than just a beautiful part of Petaluma’s landscape; they are a vital natural resource that benefits our community in countless ways. From providing cooling shade on warm days to improving the quality of the air we breathe, our city’s tree canopy is essential to the health, vibrancy, and sustainability of our environment.
A strong, thriving tree canopy:
- Reduces urban heat by shading streets, buildings, and sidewalks
- Improves air quality by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen
- Supports biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife
- Enhances mental and physical health through access to green, calming spaces
- Increases property values and beautifies neighborhoods
- Reduces stormwater runoff and improves soil health
- Absorbs carbon dioxide, helping to fight climate change
- Encourages walkability by creating pleasant, shaded pathways
- Builds climate resilience, helping our city adapt to hotter, drier conditions
How This Effort Began
Our community has long valued the natural beauty and environmental benefits of Petaluma’s trees. In recent years, residents have expressed growing interest in preserving and enhancing our tree canopy. In response to this grassroots advocacy, the City Council prioritized the update of the City’s Tree Ordinance as one of its Top 10 Goals and included it as an implementation action in our Climate Action Blueprint.
Updating the ordinance represents an important step toward achieving a healthier, greener, and more climate-resilient Petaluma.
What’s Next?
City staff are currently in the process of drafting the new Tree Ordinance to outline protections for preserving trees on both public and private property, with the goal of promoting long-term canopy health and growth. The Tree Advisory Committee has been engaged in the development of the draft to date and their feedback in addition to stakeholder feedback from Petaluma Releaf have been important community input to the evolution of the draft ordinance.
In the coming weeks, we’ll post a draft of the ordinance right here on this webpage for community review and feedback. Your input will help shape the final ordinance and ensure it reflects the values and priorities of Petaluma residents.
Stay Tuned
We invite you to check back soon for updates, including the release of the draft ordinance and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can grow a greener future for Petaluma—one tree at a time.
